NSW election 2023: North shore, Davidson, Lane Cove, Willoughby, Wahroonga candidates
Election candidates from across Sydney’s north have named their top priorities for the upcoming state poll. See the list of candidates and issues that will determine the election:
North Shore
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North Shore voters have a packed field of candidates to choose from this state election.
A mix of familiar faces and first-time candidates have put their hands up for the upcoming poll that’s shaping up to be a race between incumbent Liberal MPs and challenges from Labor, Greens and independent candidates.
Many of the candidates have named action on cost of living, overdevelopment, healthcare and climate change among their key priorities.
On the lower north shore, two independent ‘teal’ candidates backed by political funding body Climate 200 are challenging the Liberal strongholds of Lane Cove and North Shore.
In Willoughby, sitting Liberal MP Tim James is facing a challenge from prominent independent Larissa James who at last year’s election secured almost 47 per cent of two-candidate preferred votes.
Voters on the upper north shore will also have plenty of choices on voting ballots including in Davidson where first-time Liberal candidate Matt Cross has been preselected to fill the vacancy by the retirement of sitting MP Jonathan O’Dea.
The seat of Ku-ring-gai has also been renamed ‘Wahroonga’ following last year’s electoral redistributions.
Current Liberal MP Alister Henskens is returning as a candidate in the seat and faces challenges from the Greens, and two independent candidates.
Here we profile the candidates hoping to secure your vote on March 25. Candidates were asked to provide a short bio, why they’ve decided to run, and their top three priorities if elected.
DAVIDSON
CAROLINE ATKINSON (GREENS)
Davidson has been home for 15 years, I love the tree lined streets, bushland, indigenous heritage and sense of community. My extensive experience being an international director and running my own business means that I understand how corporates and government work. I consult in sustainability, chair an environmental advocacy organisation and have an MBA and PhD in corporate environment reporting.
I am running for election as I aim to advocate for the environment and implement Greens policies to fight the widening inequality gap. Every walk in the stunning bush in Davidson inspires me to fight for our community.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Stopping developers profiteering from unaffordable housing built without the necessary infrastructure. Protecting Davidson’s unique habitat including the Blue Gum High Forest.
2) Tackling the climate and extinction crises in NSW by ending coal and gas by 2030 with fair transition to renewables, and stopping land clearing and logging of public native forests.
3) Rescuing our public healthcare system; ensuring better pay and conditions for healthcare workers so that they can afford to live in or near Davidson. Ensuring appropriate nurse/carer to patient ratios. In the balance of power the Greens keep our state economy stable while addressing the climate crisis and community concerns.
KARYN EDELSTEIN (LABOR)
My husband and I migrated to Australia from South Africa 33 years ago. I am a qualified lawyer and a director of our family business, a custom design and construction project management company. My role includes project management, marketing, strategic direction and administration. We have three adult, Australian-born children. I am a past president of Womanpower, a Jewish women’s organisation, founded over 30 years ago to develop leadership skills in women.
I am running for election to give Davidson a fresh start for a better and more prosperous NSW after 12 years of Liberal Government neglect and cuts. I want to help elect a Labor government that will repair our school system, resuscitate our health system, protect our environment, renew manufacturing in NSW and halt the relentless privatisation of public assets and infrastructure by the Liberal government which has exacerbated cost of living pressures and disruptions.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) I am dedicated to preserving our urban forest environment and neighbouring national parks, furthering climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and fire control through appropriate environmental planning and management.
2) Protecting koala habitat through the creation of a Great Koala National Park on the mid north coast.
3) I will strive to implement Labor’s comprehensive plans to resuscitate our ailing health and declining education systems.
MATT CROSS (LIBERAL)
My wife Gessika and I live in Lindfield. Recently I’ve worked in medical research at the George Institute for Global Health, and as a management consultant at KPMG. Previously I advised Barry O’Farrell, Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian. My deep interest in policy led me to study at Harvard and Sydney University. I’m passionate about addressing the stigma around mental health, which is why I’ve raised funds and awareness for Lifeline by running marathons in Sydney and New York, and trekking the Kokoda Trail. I’m a proud Rotarian at St Ives.
I love our community, that expects strong representation, and needs the leadership and experience of the Perrottet Liberal Government to continue vital support for our families, retirees, and businesses. Our community is a special place to raise a family with green space, schools, and amenities. I’m proud to carry on Jonathan O’Dea’s hard work, having delivered safer local roads, a new hospital and train station upgrades.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Building a strong economy to help ease the cost of living and investing in the infrastructure and services our community relies upon.
2) Protecting and enhancing the unique character of our community, including our natural environment. I’m against overdevelopment that comes without the supporting infrastructure and associated risks, such as bushfires and floods.
3) Remove the stigma often associated with mental health. I want to continue supporting organisations like Lifeline and KYDS for the important work they do.
JANINE KITSON (INDEPENDENT)
Growing up in Gordon taught me to value our natural world and community. My career as a teacher enthused me to help save St Ives’ Blue Gum High Forest, Gordon’s heritage railway station and Lithgow’s Gardens Stone. Being a former National Trust (NSW) director embedded my raison d’etre to protect NSW’s natural, built and cultural heritage. Winning a Ku-ring-gai Council election in 2000 empowered me to fight for local democracy – something that has since been undermined by both the Labor and Liberal Party.
I am running for the election as I want to protect Davidson’s outstanding natural environment and heritage.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Addressing the climate crisis and cost of living crisis by supporting ‘on the ground’ solar roof top solar – clean, cheap, safe, renewable energy.
2) Implementing stronger NSW planning and environment laws to protect the places we love – Ku-ring-gai’s garden suburbs, northern beaches’ pristine bushland from being bulldozed for more housing and high rise developments and protecting special places like Belrose’s Lizard Rock and the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.
3) Getting integrity back into government by ending the influence of vested powers. We need a royal commission into why NSW Planning keeps failing us.
LANE COVE
HEATHER ARMSTRONG (GREENS)
I was a federal public prosecutor for 26 years after starting practising as a solicitor with big firms, then working with law reform commissions for five years. I grew up at Clontarf and went to Cremorne Girls High School (sold to SCEGGS by the then Liberal government). I graduated from UNSW with an arts/law degree, with honours in sociology. I live in Boronia Park near the Lane Cove River. I am a local bush carer and I regenerate bush on RMS land at Huntleys Point, creating a small forest and bird habitat on degraded waste land. I am a cellist with the Balmain Sinfonia and a grandmother of a lively one year old. I’m busy!
I am running for election because the huge damage to Australia from increased global atmospheric temperature is obvious. All life on our planet is in jeopardy from climate change, and we must assist polluting industries to transition to renewable, nonpolluting sources of power. The world must achieve net zero carbon pollution by mid-century if we are to achieve a sustainable planet and stop an irreversible decline into greater climate damage and a world hostile to all life forms. I want to change government policies to achieve this.
My top three priorities if elected are as follows:
1) Rapidly reducing carbon dioxide atmospheric pollution by replacing the use of coal and gas produced power with nonpolluting renewable energy generated by solar panels and wind farms is fundamental to stopping the destruction the world is experiencing from global warming. We must stop subsidising, and allowing, the continuation of coal and gas mining and extraction. We can transition workers from polluting industries into industries using sustainable energy. Carbon credits must not be used to allow businesses to continue as usual with no attempt to decarbonise their production methods.
2) Transport must change from the dominant use of private polluting vehicles to public transport powered by renewable electricity. This is essential to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century. Freeways to connect far flung areas of the city will be dinosaurs in the post-Covid world of work, and suburb design must allow access to local resources and infrastructure through public transport, walking or cycling to reduce car use.
3) We must end inequality of income and resources which is harming people’s lives and reducing productivity. Too many people are homeless, living in poverty caused by policies which favour the wealthy. Improving family support through free child care, including dental care in Medicare, improving tenants’ rights, supporting public education, Medicare and transport – these changes can improve the lives of those experiencing poverty and income stress.
VICTORIA DAVIDSON (INDEPENDENT)
I am a small-business owner, mother, lawyer, and trained mediator. I was actively involved in our local public school P & C, including running the canteen for five years. I have also done voluntary work giving legal advice to women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. My husband and I have lived in Lane Cove for the past 15 years, along with our three children and dog Max. As a small-business owner, I understand the rewards and challenges of running a small business. I know how important financial management, effective communication and negotiation, planning and problem solving are to effective leadership, and I believe these real world skills will be an advantage in politics.
I am running for election as there is a strong disconnect between what the community wants and the decisions governments make. I believe the voice of the community is not being treated as a priority in government decision making. I know there is a better way of doing politics. I am committed to working across the political divide and collaborating with all levels of government. A community independent can lift the quality of debate, push for reform in areas gridlocked by partisan politics, and work to restore integrity and transparency in our government.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Integrity – returning integrity, transparency and accountability to the centre of our political system. Stop pork barrelling and end the ‘jobs for mates’ culture.
2) Climate – faster emissions reduction with clear legislated targets for all sectors. Stop logging native forests and protect our biodiversity including koala habitat.
3) Pokie Reform – stronger and faster evidence-based reforms than both the major parties are promising, to minimise the harms of problem gambling, including; introducing an ID linked mandatory cashless gaming card within the next term of parliament with default loss limits, and powering down pokies for an extra four hours between midnight and 4am.
PENNY PEDERSON (LABOR)
My name is Penny Pedersen. I have lived in East Ryde for 16 years with my filmmaker husband and our two boys. I studied theatre at UNSW and worked in film, TV, Theatre, radio and freelance writing. In addition, I’ve been a board director at The Griffin Theatre company and Northside Radio. I was a regular guest panellist on ABC radio for a number of years and volunteered at Northside community radio for over a decade. I was elected to Ryde council in 2017 and I’ve worked hard since, holding some great roles representing our region including vice president of NSROC and vice chair of the Parramatta river catchment group. I am passionate about the arts, climate action and protecting our environment – for the last six years I have worked as the NSW organiser for LEAN – the Labor Environment Action Network. I am also a certified wildlife rescuer; a kayaker (who stops to collect litter) and I drive the cheapest fully electric vehicle on the market.
I am running for election as I have always felt that Liberal MP’s on the north shore take the area for granted. Often making decisions that negatively impact our community and much of the time without adequate consultation. Our community are concerned about the provision of affordable housing but not at the expense of open space and natural areas. I’m running because I want to be part of the Labor team that: takes meaningful climate action without leaving communities behind; that protects our most vulnerable from energy poverty and homelessness; provides more affordable housing and fairer renting; that addresses teacher shortages by decasualising the workforce; abolishing the wage cap and reducing admin hours. I want to help keep our nurses in the health sector by providing safer work conditions and respectful pay. I want to stop privatisation, high tolls and fix our shambolic public transport system. I want to be part of the team that has seen the new jobs and opportunities for the manufacturing sector as we embrace renewables and the circular economy. As a local government representative in the area, I often feel powerless to address state controlled issues that are important to our community. I would be the MP who replies to emails and phone calls. The MP who actually turns up and listens. Then asks the right questions and takes action.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) A commitment to conserving open space, tree canopy, natural areas, biodiversity and providing additional enviro sensitive access to waterways across the electorate. Detailed commitment to follow.
2) A commitment to provide more affordable housing; fairer renting and reliable transport. More connective bus routes and to provide safe pedestrian access in small business centres (Detailed commitment to follow)
3) I am committed to helping provide more community batteries, more EV charging and incentives for household electrification, helping to reduce community emissions and future energy poverty.
ANTHONY ROBERTS (LIBERAL)
I’m Anthony Roberts and was first elected as the Member for Lane Cove in 2003. I’ve had the honour of serving in the NSW Government Ministry since 2011 – working across a number of portfolios including Fair Trading, Energy, Corrections, Planning and Homes. From a young age, the importance of serving others was instilled into me, and I have been so privileged to have spent the majority of my professional life in public service. Before being elected to NSW parliament, I worked as an accountant with Price Waterhouse, I served including two years as Mayor for Lane Cove Council, I was an Adviser to The Hon. John Howard and worked as a Peacekeeper with the Army in Bougainville. The Lane Cove community has been my home for over 30 years. I met my beautiful wife, Alicia through the SES and together we’ve been blessed with four sons. Our boys attend local schools, play in local sports clubs, and it is through these daily interactions with the Lane Cove community, that I have formed close friendships that my family will cherish for many years to come.
Since being elected, I have worked hard to maintain the character, environment and integrity of Lane Cove. This community is truly the most rewarding place to live, work and raise a family. Since the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was first elected in 2011, we have seen record investment in health and frontline services, infrastructure projects that have connected our state and delivered stronger safeguards for the environment, creating a more sustainable way of life for future generations. These achievements have only occurred because the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has managed a difficult budget, well. This government will always take a balanced approach to the complex areas of government because nobody should be left behind. I am running because there is more we can achieve for our local community and under the leadership of Premier Perrottet, we can continue to implement policies that see intergenerational change for Lane Cove and NSW. The NSW Government has recently taken on difficult issues – issues that have been sidelined due to their complex nature. Stamp duty reform, gambling reform, universal pre-k and cost of living relief, to name a few. This Government is more energised than ever about the work we’re doing for the people of NSW because our children deserve a better, brighter future.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) My goal is to hand over our community to the next generation in a better condition. I want my children to have the same great opportunities that I had, but I do wish for them to have bigger and better in the future. I love the Lane Cove electorate and I want my children to raise their children in this community.
2) I want to continue working hard to ensure that my grandchildren receive the same great education, enjoy our fantastic parks and open space, and benefit from quality healthcare.
3) The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has laid out a plan that will not only preserve but improve our healthcare, education, housing, environment, and economy for generations to come. I am committed to seeing this Government deliver our plan so that Lane Cove remains the greatest place to live, work and raise a family.
NORTH SHORE
HELEN CONWAY (INDEPENDENT)
I’ve lived in the North Shore electorate for 28 years. I have a broad and diverse background. I’ve had over 18 years’ experience as a senior executive in organisations such as the NRMA and Caltex, over 20 years’ experience as a board director of companies such as Westpac Insurance, Endeavour Energy, Sydney Ferries and Catholic Healthcare and 10 years’ experience in private legal practice. My experience in the energy sector has given me a real insight into how the energy industry and market operates – and I believe these real world skills will be an advantage as NSW undertakes the challenging task of transforming our economy for a decarbonised future. I’m proud to say I’m a champion for women’s rights. Most notably, I set up the Federal Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency and before that I was the senior judicial member of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal. I have a long history of community service including as a volunteer solicitor for the Women’s Legal Resources Centre and Redfern Legal Centre, as a director of youth mental health service, ReachOut, and as chair of Women for Election Australia and the YWCA. I have a reputation for high standards of personal and professional integrity, and I’ve got a track record of getting the job done.
I am running for election as the two-party system does not represent the concerns and aspirations of the north shore community and frankly I could no longer sit on the sidelines and watch the erosion of integrity in state politics. I feel very strongly about restoring trust in our government. The people of North Shore deserve to have their voice represented in parliament – and only a community independent – who is answerable to the electorate, not to a party or a faction, can do that for us. It is a very likely scenario at this NSW election that there will be a minority government that relies on an expanded crossbench to lead. A stronger cross bench in NSW will make a big difference in improving the quality of government legislation, in driving policy reform and, importantly, in holding the government of the day to account. Independents can ask the tough questions, improve the quality of the debate, and get better reform for the communities they represent. I look forward to being part of that cross bench focusing on positive outcomes for our community.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) End the pork and end the rorts. Integrity in politics must be at the centre of government decision making in order to restore public trust.
2) Development which stacks up for the community. Development is a reality in a highly urbanised environment. The issue is that the current planning system is top down and inaccessible and does not serve the community well.
3) Get real about climate action. Legislate faster emissions reduction targets with clear planning and accountability for every sector. There must be no new fossil fuel projects – the climate science is clear.
JAMES MULLAN (GREENS)
I’m a 27-year-old Wollstonecraft local who works for the local newspaper the North Sydney Sun and at Norths Basketball. I’ve lived on the north shore for a decade now from Waverton to North Sydney, Kirribilli and Greenwich. I’m your everyday Northsider who loves where he lives and works.
I am running for election as our area is changing rapidly and under our current leadership this is being managed poorly. I want to be a part of creating a better future for our community. Sitting on the sideline watching the Liberals destroy our state and community was no longer an option. Voters need sincere representation from down to earth locals who listen; I believe I am the best person for the job.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Firstly, we need to improve transport in this area. From increased, reliable bus services, to busting traffic, increasing cycling infrastructure and improving ferry services to connect up the North Shore.
2) Secondly, the state government needs to invest in our community infrastructure. North Sydney Oval and North Sydney Indoor Sports Centre are falling apart while we also lack open and green spaces.
3) Finally, protecting our biodiversity. From Bradley Head to Cammeray Park our natural spaces are under severe threat from mega project and over development. State planning must put the environment first in all decisions.
GODFREY SAUNTER (LABOR)
I have been a resident in the electorate for almost thirty years and am well known in the community. My wife, Judi, and I have raised a family here, with two daughters, one of whom has also lived locally and raised her sons here. I graduated university with an honours degree in economics and have also obtained a Business Diploma at North Sydney TAFE. After university I joined The Australian foreign service, with postings in Viêt Nam, Iran, France and Saudi Arabia. I have also held senior positions in the federal Public Service. After leaving the public service and moving to North Sydney, my wife and I established a successful tourism business based here. I was elected to North Sydney Council in December 2021, the first time that Labor has been represented in government in this area for many years.
I am running for election as I have strong concerns that major issues which concern our electorate have been ignored by the current State Government. These include: the price of housing, the privatisation of our bus services, cutbacks to local TAFE and other government training providers, the destruction of our sparse and precious public space and the apparent desire by the State Government to increase controls over community elected local governments.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) No more privatisations: I am a strong opponent of the Liberals’ obsession with privatising government enterprises and selling them off to private monopolies. The recent sale of Sydney buses to private operators has already resulted in reduced bus services in the electorate. We will get the buses back on time and running essential routes.
2) Increase local training facilities and provide better local accommodation for essential service workers in our community through the expansion of TAFE, increased funding for State schools and greater availability of affordable housing
3) Restore recognition of the vital role of local government in providing services to the community
VICTORIA WALKER (INDEPENDENT)
I have resided in the north shore since I was a student. I am a nonfiction editor of books of Australian and British history, and secretary of the Lavender Bay – McMahons Point Precinct Committee. I have experience in parliament and government. I was director of the NSW Public Accounts Committee and Victoria’s Economic and Budget Review Committee, and designed the committee system for the Queensland parliament, post Bjelke Petersen. At the Australian National Audit Office I undertook performance audits including Ministerial travel claims, agency management of parliamentary workflow and integrity of the electoral roll.
This is an important election, I share the appetite in the electorate for change and reform and have the skill and experience to progress these through parliament.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Tabling a climate change bill that sets reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions for NSW to achieve net zero by 2050, requiring treasury to develop a climate change budget paper, and for ministers to table an annual climate change statement detailing action taken to mitigate its impact and progress towards meeting state emission targets.
2) To table a Bill to replace the moribund Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, that redefines local government’s role in planning and development, has a climate trigger on approvals, prohibits ministers from using alternative approval processes and includes penalties for undertaking emission intensive development without approval, and enforcement.
3. To restore parliament’s role as law-maker, ensuring laws are debated and made by members elected to represent the people of NSW, not drafted over deals done in party backrooms.
FELICITY WILSON (LIBERAL)
I ran for parliament because I wanted to make a difference for our community and for NSW, and since being elected I’ve also become a mum to the two greatest little people in the world.
As a mum of preschoolers, much of my time out of work is spent experiencing the joy and managing the juggle that they bring to life – like so many parents!
But becoming a mum has also heightened my focus and ambition as an MP to deal with the big challenges. It’s why I work so hard to tackle climate change, address housing affordability, take pressure off household budgets, and ensure every child has access to the best education from their earliest years. It’s a great privilege to be your local voice, not just delivering outcomes but also standing up for our shared values, because what matters to our community, matters to me. I love our community and listening to what people in our area need, then working to make it happen. It’s why I’ve worked to deliver record investments in local schools, worked with our small businesses to get them through Covid, worked to secure major improvements to our public transport infrastructure like the B-Line and Sydney Metro, and worked to add to our public open space with innovative new parklands reclaiming land from carparks, railway tracks, and dilapidated harbourside sites. These outcomes are only ever possible because, as a Liberal Government, we make long-term plans to keep NSW moving forward – even in the face of challenging economic conditions.
There is still so much more to do that we can achieve, and if re-elected I’ll continue to be a strong local voice for our community.
WAHROONGA
TIM DASHWOOD (GREENS)
I am originally from Toowoomba, QLD. I am raising my young family in the beautiful, leafy upper north shore with my wife who is originally from Wahroonga. I am fortunate enough to call myself a professional actor and fight director in the arts. I also have a masters of professional accounting, which I hope to use to support and educate those who find financial literacy and administration to be overwhelming.
I am running as the Greens candidate because I have become overwhelmingly frustrated with climate inaction, the binary nature of politics in this country and the corrupting influence of big business on both the major parties. The silence and avoidance of the major parties to acknowledge and respond to the climate crisis, and the cost-of-living crisis proves that there needs to be a cultural shift in the way we do politics. I believe my skills in communication, collaboration and empathy are needed at this time, and that the progressive policies of the Greens are more important than ever.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Ending coal and gas by 2030. Supporting and developing renewables and a sustainable energy sector.
2) Providing support and funding for healthcare including better pay for healthcare workers and more inclusive and free services.
3) Managing development to protect Wahroonga’s unique habitat and ensure the area remains liveable for years to come.
KRISTYN HAYWOOD (INDEPENDENT)
I’ve lived in the local area for almost 20 years. I run a Leadership Education company. Last year I founded a local not-for-profit Expand Now.
I am running for election because I’m not seeing the key community issues being addressed adequately by any party. While they are focused on sticking to the party line our community needs are not being met.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Protection for our endangered fauna and flora. NSW Planning Laws must change to stop needless destruction.
2) Our community is disgusted with the lack of integrity of both sides of government. One example is ‘jobs for the boys’. Many boards, tribunals and independent agencies are stacked with people who have worked for a political party. This must change.
3) Our community wants more women in parliament. NSW parliament has some of the lowest female representation in Australia at just 33 per cent which is not a reflection of our electorate.
ALISTER HENSKENS (LIBERAL)
I am married with two children. Prior to entering parliament I was a community volunteer in sport clubs and a local school P & C while working as a barrister. I became a senior counsel in 2011. I have been a member of the NSW parliament since 2015 and am currently a Minister with various portfolios and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Assembly.
As a community-based MP, I am committed to serving the community that I have lived in for over twenty five years, with my family. I hope to continue that service by using the professional skills I developed before entering parliament plus the experience I have gained as an MP since 2015. I want to continue to be part of the Liberal team delivering on our long term economic plan for the state to meet the challenges that confront us.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Preserving the special character of our local community.
2) Continuing the record NSW Liberal investment in our local schools, hospital and transport infrastructure and our community groups.
3) Improving the delivery of government services as we have done with Service NSW.
FLORENCE MAN-TUNG CHUE HONG (INDEPENDENT)
Florence Man-Tung Chue Hong is listed as an independent candidate for the electorate. The North Shore Times attempted to contact Ms Hong but did not receive a response.
WILLOUGHBY
SARAH GRIFFIN (LABOR)
I have lived in Willoughby for 20 years and we have raised our family here. I began my professional career in the public hospital system as a physiotherapist. I have a second career as a health economist. I have held senior roles both nationally and internationally in health delivery, health finance and health economics and policy. I now run my own health economics consulting business which I built from the ground up.
I was approached by our local branch to run and I had a strong conviction that with my background I was the right choice for Willoughby. I believe in a strong and productive economy that works for everyone, not just a few, and in economic and social justice. The Willoughby electorate has been treated very poorly by the coalition government over many years and I would like to reverse that.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Cancel the Beaches Link and preserve Flat Rock Gully.
2) End privatisation of public assets.
3) Ensure that essential workers such as teachers and nurses are treated fairly so they can continue their vital work.
TIM JAMES (LIBERAL)
As your local representative, I’ve stood up for Willoughby and am delivering a positive, caring vision for our community. With my long local connections, I know the issues and the places that matter most to locals. Prior to my election I served as a lawyer, chief of staff and CEO and know how to bring people together and achieve results.
As a long and proud local, I’m running to serve you, the people of Willoughby, to ensure our community flourishes. I love Willoughby; it is my home, a community that my family and I have a long connection. Raising my young family in Cammeray, I’m determined to make Willoughby an even better place to live, work and raise a family. I’m passionate about delivering for our community in a caring way and achieving real outcomes that improve the quality of our lives.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Education: Willoughby is benefiting from upgrades at all public schools across the electorate and I’ve committed to building two new schools and ensuring affordable and accessible childcare
2) Health: Providing quality healthcare, growing Royal North Shore Hospital and building a new ambulance station at Cremorne.
3) Environment: The NSW Government is committed to responding to climate change, protecting our local environment and preserving our natural and built heritage.
EDMUND MCGRATH (GREENS)
I am a person with strong values. Foremost to support our environment, and secondly to support each and every person to have the opportunities in life that they deserve. I have transitioned from international aid, education advocacy, and refugee awareness to become a high school teacher. Now I am an urban planner and I also have a small business.
I have always loved the values that the Greens have for equality and honesty and this has driven me to run as a candidate for the Greens. Major parties lack innovative solutions to the economy in the face of climate change. It doesn’t have to be this way. I offer the community an ethical and future focused alternative to build a smarter economy and ease cost-of-living pressures. I want the voter to know that the Greens do have a plan for the economy and I will stand up for the community. I see myself as a progressive choice for those looking for a transparent and honest representative with a long term vision and experience in State issues including education and planning.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) The planning system: Our planning system is failing communities and the environment. The Liberal-National Government has stripped planning powers from communities and made rash decisions for their developer mates. As an urban planner, I will spearhead reform to the planning system starting with an end to the revolving door between parliament and the big end of town. I will fight for objective cost-benefit measures in decision making to value the economic and social importance of green space. We need to progress towards carbon neutral buildings, development aligned to public transport, and safe walkable streets. The community wants better results for existing and proposed developments in the area such as the Warringah Freeway and Northern Beaches Link, Parraween Street, Cremorne and the Sydney Metro dive site on Mowbray Road.
2. Local business: I love spending time in my local Cremorne shops. We need to realise the economic potential of our town centres through the planning system. I will support the arts, festivals and markets in public spaces and advocate for vibrant centres that support a night time economy and allow small businesses to thrive. The Greens have plans to tax coal, mega-corporations and developer windfalls, and in doing so, strengthen small business.
3. Cost of living: The Greens have the most comprehensive plan to ease cost of living pressures which includes free early childhood education, freezing rent increases, lower energy costs through public green energy, pay rises and better conditions for essential workers and free public transport. It is my duty to support the community any way I can with cost of living pressures. The Greens don’t take political donations from the big end of town. This is how you know I will remain honest and advocate the best solutions for the community.
LARISSA PENN (INDEPENDENT)
I’m a true local independent. I went to Cammeray Public and North Sydney Girls High School. I have a honours degree in technology management and have held senior management and consulting positions in the corporate sector serving the Asia Pacific region. I love our area and have spent the last six years advocating for more sustainable alternatives to those being pursued by the State Government. Some change has happened but it’s not enough.
We have been told that we are being heard but things have not improved. Overdevelopment and toll roads are coming at an enormous financial, social and environmental cost. Transparency, integrity and conflict of interest issues abound. We need action to build a liveable and sustainable future but our voice is lost due to big party interests. It’s time for action. I am ready to hit the ground running and be the truly independent voice we need.
My top three priorities if elected are:
1) Bringing integrity, transparency and accountability to all decision making.
2) Addressing liveability by taking real action on cost of living, climate, fixing the public transport mess and protecting/returning our green spaces
3) Improving health and education outcomes by increasing teacher/student and nurse/patient ratios, stopping the sell-off of Royal North Shore Hospital land and by providing increased funding for mental health programs.
ANDREW ASSAEE (INDEPENDENT)
Andrew Assaee is listed as an independent candidate for the electorate. The North Shore Times attempted to contact Mr Assaee but did not receive a response.
VAN HIEU HUYNH (INDEPENDENT)
Van Hieu Huynh is listed as an independent candidate for the electorate. The North Shore Times attempted to contact Mr Hieu Huynh but did not receive a response.
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